13th August 2024: Opening of the Galley Aileach Boathouse, Kildonnan, South Uist
After several years of fundraising, including more than £20,000 donated by the Highland Society of London and its Members, the new boathouse to provide a permanent home and exhibition space for the Galley Aileach was opened by the Lord of the Isles Galley Trust at the Kildonnan Museum, South Uist, on 13th August 2024. The boathouse is now open to the public, and includes detailed displays about the history of Hebridean birlinns, the construction of the Aileach, and her many voyages.
2023/2024 “Focus Charity”: Lord of the Isles Galley Trust
The Highland Society of London’s current “focus charity” is the Lord of the Isles Galley Trust, specifically to support the ongoing project to build a permanent home for the Galley Aileach. This includes both a permanent structure to house the Aileach, but also an informative exhibit around the Aileach to explain the importance of similar birlinns in the history of the West Coast of Scotland; the process of designing and building the Aileach; and the exciting stories of her many voyages as far afield as the West Coast of Ireland and the Faroe Islands.
Members are encouraged to contribute to this and future “focus charities” by joining the Society’s regular voluntary donations scheme, making a contribution through our JustGiving site, or by contacting info@highlandsocietyoflondon.org to arrange a specific donation or bequest.